A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Martha's Vineyard for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Martha's Vineyard and Boca Raton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard both to be excellent destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Boca Raton has something for everybody. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.


Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Boca Raton is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Boca Raton is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Hiking trails can be found around both Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard, and they are nice.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

If you're looking to go shopping, Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Boca Raton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.


Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Boca Raton is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its public transit.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Martha's Vineyard

Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard are nice when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Martha's Vineyard. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boca Raton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Martha's Vineyard if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy coastal city of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and food around the posh destination of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $241. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Marthas Vineyard


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard and Boca Raton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Martha's Vineyard $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Martha's Vineyard $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Martha's Vineyard much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Martha's Vineyard would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Martha's Vineyard and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Martha's Vineyard.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Martha's Vineyard. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)